The Turkish Language
The official language Turkish is the first language spoken by 90% of the 63 million population. Minority languages include Kurdish, spoken by 6% of the population, Arabic is spoken by 1.2% of the Turkish population, and most of those speakers are bilingual Arabic and Turkish speakers. Other minority languages include Circassia, spoken by more than 0.09% throughout the country, Greek, Armenian and Judaism, a romance language spoken by Jews. Translation may be necessary when dealing with officialdom in the country. Many of the Turkish population speak English, especially in the holiday resorts, so conversing is not a problem, but please try your hand at speaking Turkish, they are always happy to help you.
Safety
Although Turkey is one of the most safest countries in the region, theft and robbery seem to be on the increase, especially in big cities, take the necessary precautions such as wearing a money belt under your clothing, being aware of pick-pockets and purse-slashers in market and other crowded places, and keeping a watchful eye on anyone suspicious lurking near ATM machines.
If you are travelling alone, be cautious of strangers in pairs or trios who try to befriend you by offering you a drink or snack. To discern from honest Turkish hospitality and sinister motives, suggest that you want to take their picture as a souvenir and see how they react. You could also site an allergy as a reason for not accepting a drink or snack. Provided you dress and behave modestly, most men will treat you with kindness. However, some men may mistake your passing smile as an open flirtation.
Restaurants other than the ones in tourist resorts will usually have separate “family rooms” set aside for women to dine in social comfort. Look for the word aile (family) as in aile salonu (family room) and take your meal there, in a society where women rarely drink, overindulging in alcohol is highly inadvisable.
When take a taxi, women should not sit in the front passenger seat, if travelling by bus, should not sit next to a man, women are often assigned seats at the front of the bus, if no one shows you where to sit, avoid sitting in the back of the bus, if any harassment occurs, always make lots of noise as to attract attention and embarrass the harasser.
The official language Turkish is the first language spoken by 90% of the 63 million population. Minority languages include Kurdish, spoken by 6% of the population, Arabic is spoken by 1.2% of the Turkish population, and most of those speakers are bilingual Arabic and Turkish speakers. Other minority languages include Circassia, spoken by more than 0.09% throughout the country, Greek, Armenian and Judaism, a romance language spoken by Jews. Translation may be necessary when dealing with officialdom in the country. Many of the Turkish population speak English, especially in the holiday resorts, so conversing is not a problem, but please try your hand at speaking Turkish, they are always happy to help you.
Safety
Although Turkey is one of the most safest countries in the region, theft and robbery seem to be on the increase, especially in big cities, take the necessary precautions such as wearing a money belt under your clothing, being aware of pick-pockets and purse-slashers in market and other crowded places, and keeping a watchful eye on anyone suspicious lurking near ATM machines.
If you are travelling alone, be cautious of strangers in pairs or trios who try to befriend you by offering you a drink or snack. To discern from honest Turkish hospitality and sinister motives, suggest that you want to take their picture as a souvenir and see how they react. You could also site an allergy as a reason for not accepting a drink or snack. Provided you dress and behave modestly, most men will treat you with kindness. However, some men may mistake your passing smile as an open flirtation.
Restaurants other than the ones in tourist resorts will usually have separate “family rooms” set aside for women to dine in social comfort. Look for the word aile (family) as in aile salonu (family room) and take your meal there, in a society where women rarely drink, overindulging in alcohol is highly inadvisable.
When take a taxi, women should not sit in the front passenger seat, if travelling by bus, should not sit next to a man, women are often assigned seats at the front of the bus, if no one shows you where to sit, avoid sitting in the back of the bus, if any harassment occurs, always make lots of noise as to attract attention and embarrass the harasser.
Documents Passport
A passport valid for a minimum of six months beyond your stay is required by all. You may also be asked to provide proof that you have either a return ticket or funds to cover a return ticket.
Visa
Nationals of the following countries do not need a visa to visit Turkey if staying no more that three months: Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland.
Nationals of Australia, Austria, Canada, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Portugal, Spain, the UK and the USA do require a visa; this is obtainable on arrival at the airport or border post for a variable fee depending on your nationality. This tourist visa allows a stay for up three months in Turkey. This fee must be paid for in hard currency cash; UK pounds (£), Euros (€), US dollars ($) or Japanese yen (¥) are all acceptable.
All other nationals should contact the Turkish Embassy for current visa regulations. Visa regulations can always change; therefore it is wise for all nationalities to check with your travel agent or the Turkish Embassy before departing. Turkish Embassy website: www.turkishembassy.org <http://www.turkishembassy.org>
Health
In general Turkey is a pretty healthy country to travel in, although many people will experience the odd day of stomach upset, its wise to stick to bottled water and take the usual precautions over food and hygiene, especially in the heat of July and August (i.e. make sure any meat is thoroughly cooked and served hot), if you are not sure of the place, or have doubts about hygiene, it is better to avoid shellfish such as muscles, oysters and clams as they may not be fresh. Milk is pasteurised. No vaccinations are required to enter Turkey, but speak with your general practitioner if you have any concerns; there is no malaria risk in the main tourist areas in the West and Southwest of the country. Healthcare is expensive and not widespread so it is advised that you have travel insurance which will cover the cost of all medical aid. A great number of Turkish doctors and dentists speak a foreign language, particularly at major hospitals, Turkey has well stocked pharmacies, however you should risk running out of anything that you depend on, bring an adequate supply as well as the generic brand name and a legible prescription or letter from your doctor to show that you use the medication legally.
A passport valid for a minimum of six months beyond your stay is required by all. You may also be asked to provide proof that you have either a return ticket or funds to cover a return ticket.
Visa
Nationals of the following countries do not need a visa to visit Turkey if staying no more that three months: Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland.
Nationals of Australia, Austria, Canada, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Portugal, Spain, the UK and the USA do require a visa; this is obtainable on arrival at the airport or border post for a variable fee depending on your nationality. This tourist visa allows a stay for up three months in Turkey. This fee must be paid for in hard currency cash; UK pounds (£), Euros (€), US dollars ($) or Japanese yen (¥) are all acceptable.
All other nationals should contact the Turkish Embassy for current visa regulations. Visa regulations can always change; therefore it is wise for all nationalities to check with your travel agent or the Turkish Embassy before departing. Turkish Embassy website: www.turkishembassy.org <http://www.turkishembassy.org>
Health
In general Turkey is a pretty healthy country to travel in, although many people will experience the odd day of stomach upset, its wise to stick to bottled water and take the usual precautions over food and hygiene, especially in the heat of July and August (i.e. make sure any meat is thoroughly cooked and served hot), if you are not sure of the place, or have doubts about hygiene, it is better to avoid shellfish such as muscles, oysters and clams as they may not be fresh. Milk is pasteurised. No vaccinations are required to enter Turkey, but speak with your general practitioner if you have any concerns; there is no malaria risk in the main tourist areas in the West and Southwest of the country. Healthcare is expensive and not widespread so it is advised that you have travel insurance which will cover the cost of all medical aid. A great number of Turkish doctors and dentists speak a foreign language, particularly at major hospitals, Turkey has well stocked pharmacies, however you should risk running out of anything that you depend on, bring an adequate supply as well as the generic brand name and a legible prescription or letter from your doctor to show that you use the medication legally.
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General Tips for Travellers & Tourists
Turkey Summary
Turkey can be found bordering the Black Sea, between Bulgaria and Georgia, and bordering the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, between Greece and Syria, and is comprised of a high central plateau (Anatolia) and narrow coastal plains with several mountain ranges. It is the home to the remnants of the Ottoman Empire, and to Mount Ararat, the legendary landing place of Noah’s Ark.
Capital = Ankara, Time Zone GMT/UTC +2, Population = 71,892,808, Languages = Turkish, Kurdish, Arabic, Armenian, Greek, Power = 220V, 50Hz, Currency = Turkish Lira, Climate = Turkey is temperate with hot, dry summers, and mild winters, although harsher in the interior.
Business Hours
Banks are generally open Monday-Friday 08:30-12:00 and 13:30-17:00. Some of the banks in the tourist areas are open every day. Most businesses are closed on Sundays. Many museums close on Mondays.
Currency & Currency Exchange
Turkey’s unit of currency is the Turkish Lira; cash can be exchanged commission free in exchange offices, banks and hotels, US dollars, Euros and UK pounds are the easiest currencies to exchange. However it may be difficult to exchange Australian or Canadian currencies except at banks and exchange offices in the major cities. Travellers’ cheques can only be exchanged in banks, to avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers cheques should be issued in Pounds Sterling or US Dollars. ATM’s are available in most areas and will dispense Turkish Lira to, Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus, Maestro and Eurocard holders. Nearly all machines offer instructions in English, French, German and Turkish. American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted, you can also get cash advances on credit cards. Check with your credit or debit Card Company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.
Turkey can be found bordering the Black Sea, between Bulgaria and Georgia, and bordering the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, between Greece and Syria, and is comprised of a high central plateau (Anatolia) and narrow coastal plains with several mountain ranges. It is the home to the remnants of the Ottoman Empire, and to Mount Ararat, the legendary landing place of Noah’s Ark.
Capital = Ankara, Time Zone GMT/UTC +2, Population = 71,892,808, Languages = Turkish, Kurdish, Arabic, Armenian, Greek, Power = 220V, 50Hz, Currency = Turkish Lira, Climate = Turkey is temperate with hot, dry summers, and mild winters, although harsher in the interior.
Business Hours
Banks are generally open Monday-Friday 08:30-12:00 and 13:30-17:00. Some of the banks in the tourist areas are open every day. Most businesses are closed on Sundays. Many museums close on Mondays.
Currency & Currency Exchange
Turkey’s unit of currency is the Turkish Lira; cash can be exchanged commission free in exchange offices, banks and hotels, US dollars, Euros and UK pounds are the easiest currencies to exchange. However it may be difficult to exchange Australian or Canadian currencies except at banks and exchange offices in the major cities. Travellers’ cheques can only be exchanged in banks, to avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers cheques should be issued in Pounds Sterling or US Dollars. ATM’s are available in most areas and will dispense Turkish Lira to, Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus, Maestro and Eurocard holders. Nearly all machines offer instructions in English, French, German and Turkish. American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted, you can also get cash advances on credit cards. Check with your credit or debit Card Company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.
Customs (Import/Export)
Turkey uses the Red/Green Channel system at major airports, so unless you have something to declare or you’re carrying something unusual, or you get spot-checked by the customs officer, you just walk through the Green Channel. The following goods may be imported into Turkey without incurring customs duty tax, 200 cigarettes and 50 cigars or 200g of tobacco and 200 cigarette papers or 50g of chewing tobacco or 200g of pipe tobacco or 200g or snuff tobacco, 5 bottles (1 litre) or 7 bottles (700ml) of wine and/or spirits, reasonable amounts of coffee and tea, 5 bottles (up to 120ml each) of perfume, gifts up to the value of 255.65 Euros (or equivalent), electronic articles up to a value of 255.65 Euros (or equivalent).
Note: A further 400 cigarettes, 100 cigars and 500g of pipe tobacco may be imported if purchased on arrival at a duty free shop. Very specific amounts and categories of personal belongings may be imported duty free, according to a list available from the Turkish Embassy, Financial and Customs Counsellor’s office.
Narcotics, sharp implements, weapons and more than one set of playing cards may not be brought into Turkey. The exports of souvenirs such as carpets are subject to customs regulations regarding age and value. It is strictly illegal to export antiquities more than a century old.
ANTIQUITIES WARNING!
While in Turkey, be careful not to buy any antiquity (more than a century or two old), as it is forbidden by law to buy, sell, possess or export it. The export of certain antiques is forbidden, according to a list available from the Turkish Embassy, Financial and Customs Counsellor’s office.
Turkey uses the Red/Green Channel system at major airports, so unless you have something to declare or you’re carrying something unusual, or you get spot-checked by the customs officer, you just walk through the Green Channel. The following goods may be imported into Turkey without incurring customs duty tax, 200 cigarettes and 50 cigars or 200g of tobacco and 200 cigarette papers or 50g of chewing tobacco or 200g of pipe tobacco or 200g or snuff tobacco, 5 bottles (1 litre) or 7 bottles (700ml) of wine and/or spirits, reasonable amounts of coffee and tea, 5 bottles (up to 120ml each) of perfume, gifts up to the value of 255.65 Euros (or equivalent), electronic articles up to a value of 255.65 Euros (or equivalent).
Note: A further 400 cigarettes, 100 cigars and 500g of pipe tobacco may be imported if purchased on arrival at a duty free shop. Very specific amounts and categories of personal belongings may be imported duty free, according to a list available from the Turkish Embassy, Financial and Customs Counsellor’s office.
Narcotics, sharp implements, weapons and more than one set of playing cards may not be brought into Turkey. The exports of souvenirs such as carpets are subject to customs regulations regarding age and value. It is strictly illegal to export antiquities more than a century old.
ANTIQUITIES WARNING!
While in Turkey, be careful not to buy any antiquity (more than a century or two old), as it is forbidden by law to buy, sell, possess or export it. The export of certain antiques is forbidden, according to a list available from the Turkish Embassy, Financial and Customs Counsellor’s office.
Mobile Phones
Mobile phone networks are operated by several rival firms, with Turkcell the first and largest company, providing the best coverage. Telsim, Avea and Vodafone are the other service providers, as a foreigner you can have a standard account or a pay-as-you-go line. You can open a standard account at one of the many mobile shops in every town, with proof of address in Turkey, your passport and bank details. Bills are paid monthly, but the pay-as-you-go lines are even simpler to open, requiring no identification, or proof of address, and they are recommended if you are only in the country for short periods of time, or you use the phone very little. On the downside however, calling rates are high and it can be inconvenient trying to find card, when your call-time is finished. Loading your mobile in TL is easy and topping-up is available at mobile phone outlets, corner shops and even some petrol stations. Handsets are comparatively expensive as their price isn’t subsidised by the networks like in the UK. A British handset can be used with a Turkish SIM card only after it has been “unlocked” at a mobile phone shop. If you intend to use your British mobile phone in Turkey, remember to call your operator to enable international roaming, if you are only using your British mobile phone while you are on holiday, Turkish networks will allow a few weeks, but after 4/6 weeks they will blocked the mobile phone and you will be unable to receive or make calls.
Post Communications & Couriers
All postal offices in Turkey bear the yellow PTT or Telekom sign, larger and central offices are open from 08:00-24:00, public telephone have a phone card system, these cards can be purchased from PPT offices and some Exchange Offices. The Turkish postal service, known as the PTT, has post office across the country and delivers mail to your door, apart from the more rural areas, then you have to collect it from your local PTT office. The service is quiet slow and letters may take several days to reach their destination in Turkey, or at least a week to get to the UK. If you have an urgent letter or parcel, consider sending it by the APS express mail service in PTT offices at a small extra charge. Courier companies such as DHL, FEDEX and UPS make international express deliveries, or inside Turkey.
Mobile phone networks are operated by several rival firms, with Turkcell the first and largest company, providing the best coverage. Telsim, Avea and Vodafone are the other service providers, as a foreigner you can have a standard account or a pay-as-you-go line. You can open a standard account at one of the many mobile shops in every town, with proof of address in Turkey, your passport and bank details. Bills are paid monthly, but the pay-as-you-go lines are even simpler to open, requiring no identification, or proof of address, and they are recommended if you are only in the country for short periods of time, or you use the phone very little. On the downside however, calling rates are high and it can be inconvenient trying to find card, when your call-time is finished. Loading your mobile in TL is easy and topping-up is available at mobile phone outlets, corner shops and even some petrol stations. Handsets are comparatively expensive as their price isn’t subsidised by the networks like in the UK. A British handset can be used with a Turkish SIM card only after it has been “unlocked” at a mobile phone shop. If you intend to use your British mobile phone in Turkey, remember to call your operator to enable international roaming, if you are only using your British mobile phone while you are on holiday, Turkish networks will allow a few weeks, but after 4/6 weeks they will blocked the mobile phone and you will be unable to receive or make calls.
Post Communications & Couriers
All postal offices in Turkey bear the yellow PTT or Telekom sign, larger and central offices are open from 08:00-24:00, public telephone have a phone card system, these cards can be purchased from PPT offices and some Exchange Offices. The Turkish postal service, known as the PTT, has post office across the country and delivers mail to your door, apart from the more rural areas, then you have to collect it from your local PTT office. The service is quiet slow and letters may take several days to reach their destination in Turkey, or at least a week to get to the UK. If you have an urgent letter or parcel, consider sending it by the APS express mail service in PTT offices at a small extra charge. Courier companies such as DHL, FEDEX and UPS make international express deliveries, or inside Turkey.
Social Etiquette
Shaking hands in the normal form of greeting. Pointing your finger at someone, turning the sole of your shoe upwards, and blowing your nose in public, is considered rude. If you must blow your nose in public, especially in restaurants, turn or leave the room and blow quietly. Only pick your teeth with a hand shielding your mouth, public affection with the opposite sex is frowned upon.
Hospitality is very important and visitors should respect Islamic customs, informal wear is acceptable, but beachwear should be confined to the beach or pool side.
Smoking used to be widely accepted, but Turkey brought into effect a ban on smoking in bars, cafes and restaurants on 19 July 2009, extending a ban issued in May 2008 on smoking in offices, public transport, shopping malls, schools, hospitals and other public places.
In big cities it is acceptable to take photographs at will, however, in more rural areas, it is best to ask permission first, especially if you want to photograph women who are wearing head scarves.
Tipping
An average tip at the average restaurant is about 10%, some more expensive restaurants and hotels automatically include a 10-15% service charge in the bill, and tips are not expected in cheaper hotels or very cheap local-style restaurants. Hotel porters should be tipped about 2% of the room price, taxi drivers appreciate it if you round up the metered fare, however Dolmus bus drivers, never expect a tip. In Turkish baths (Hamam) and barbers you should add a small tip to the set fee.
Shaking hands in the normal form of greeting. Pointing your finger at someone, turning the sole of your shoe upwards, and blowing your nose in public, is considered rude. If you must blow your nose in public, especially in restaurants, turn or leave the room and blow quietly. Only pick your teeth with a hand shielding your mouth, public affection with the opposite sex is frowned upon.
Hospitality is very important and visitors should respect Islamic customs, informal wear is acceptable, but beachwear should be confined to the beach or pool side.
Smoking used to be widely accepted, but Turkey brought into effect a ban on smoking in bars, cafes and restaurants on 19 July 2009, extending a ban issued in May 2008 on smoking in offices, public transport, shopping malls, schools, hospitals and other public places.
In big cities it is acceptable to take photographs at will, however, in more rural areas, it is best to ask permission first, especially if you want to photograph women who are wearing head scarves.
Tipping
An average tip at the average restaurant is about 10%, some more expensive restaurants and hotels automatically include a 10-15% service charge in the bill, and tips are not expected in cheaper hotels or very cheap local-style restaurants. Hotel porters should be tipped about 2% of the room price, taxi drivers appreciate it if you round up the metered fare, however Dolmus bus drivers, never expect a tip. In Turkish baths (Hamam) and barbers you should add a small tip to the set fee.
Please contact us for details: thevillasinturkey@hotmail.co.uk